Repeat abortions figures are disturbing and reveal flouting of law, says pro life group SPUC

14 May 2012

Repeat abortions figures are disturbing and reveal flouting of law, says pro-life group SPUC London, 14 May 2012: Figures which show a high incidence of multiple repeat abortions in England and Wales are deeply disturbing and underline how the Abortion Act is being systematically abused across the country, said the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) www.spuc.org.uk a leading pro-life organisation.

Paul Tully, SPUC’s general secretary, said: "The figures indicate wide differences around the country for repeat abortions, but regional and local variations also suggest that in many areas abortion is being used unlawfully to try to cut the birth-rate among minority and low-income groups more likely to claim benefits."

Professor Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer, issued a directive in February instructing abortion providers and NHS medical directors to comply fully with the medical conditions required for abortions in the Abortion Act 1967.

"We suspect that Professor Davies' letter is being totally ignored by both NHS trusts and private abortion clinics. Our belief is that the Sexual Health Team at the Department of Health is continuing to tell doctors and hospitals to provide abortion on demand, and that they are telling abortion providers that there is no political appetite to take action against them for breaking the law.

"There is no evidence of any change in policy by the major private abortion clinics which have lucrative contracts to do NHS abortions. They are doing no fewer illegal abortions than hitherto. The legal grounds for abortion are not fulfilled in 99% of cases", concluded Mr Tully.

Paul Tully, SPUC’s general secretary, can be contacted on 07939 178719 or 020 7820 3127.